Ashley Cole to delay decision over Chelsea future until the end of the season

Ashley Cole is wanted by Liverpool and New York Red Bulls (Picture: Getty)

Ashley Cole is set to wait until the end of the season before deciding whether his future remains at Chelsea.

The left-back has found his playing opportunities limited this season, having been forced out of the side by the consistent performances of Cesar Azpilicueta.

Cole’s contract, along with those of team-mates John Terry and Frank Lampard, is up at the end of the season, with the Blues’ hierarchy yet to offer an extension.

And the delay has led a host of clubs from the Premier League and abroad to keep a close eye on the situation, with Liverpool and New York Red Bulls said to be Cole’s main suitors approaching the summer.

But the 33-year-old is expected to wait until the end of the season before making a firm decision on his future, whether or not Chelsea offer him a new one-year deal before that time.

Last year, Cole put pen to paper in January but the Blues are dragging out tabling a new contract this time around, with the final decision believed to lie with Jose Mourinho.

John Terry and Ashley Cole are both waiting on new contracts (Picture: Reuters)

The Chelsea boss is thought to be keen on keeping each of Cole, Lampard and particularly captain Terry at Stamford Bridge for another year to oversee the transition of the squad.

But with the Blues said to be in hot pursuit of Southampton’s teenage left-back Luke Shaw, Cole may decide to see out his playing days elsewhere with a greater likelihood of regular first-team football.